Andy Trosper is one of our board members who received a liver transplant. He was born with a hereditary blood disease that required multiple procedures. One necessary medical treatment exposed Andy to Hepatitis C. This is where Andy’s transplant journey began. For the next 18 years Andy fought liver disease, but eventually it was determined that he would need a liver transplant.

On December 24, 2009 Andy’s name was added to the transplant list, a list with over 5000 names in Illinois. Andy saw that as a wonderful Christmas present.

On March 2nd, 2010 Andy was taken to Northwestern Medicine for an emergency surgery. Andy recalled, “Little did we know that while we thought we were going to the ER because I was sick and needed surgery for a strangulated hernia, God had a greater plan. He was just putting me in place for a bigger surgery, one that would save my life.”

During Andy’s surgery his doctors received a phone call from Gift of Hope with the news that they had a liver that looked like a match. “As a result on March 3rd 2010, I received the gift of life from someone I had never met. I am convinced that this could only have come at the hands of God. I do not believe it was a coincidence that the timing happened this way. My doctors had never had this type of timing,” Andy recalled.

Andy felt better as soon as he woke up from surgery. He was able to return home just five days after his transplant. Andy no longer has the hereditary blood disease! “This journey has been a miracle in my life. I can only give thanks to God for his gift of life to me. Since the time I awoke from surgery I have not had a bad day. Each day is truly a gift,” Andy said.

Since his transplant Andy has been living life to the fullest. He had the opportunity to walk his daughters down the aisle at their weddings, he has spent precious time with his wife, and he and his wife are now experiencing the greatest joy of being grandparents.

Andy said, “The support I have received has made my journey remarkable. My faith has strengthened me and kept me grounded and focused on the important aspects of life. My family supported me even when they were so exhausted they did not want to.”

Our inspired group of organ recipients, donors and their families is united in our mission to support the future of organ transplantation at Northwestern Medicine while connecting and supporting the transplant community.